Note: dated 24 VIII 1901

68.
24/VIII-01 [Munich].
Dear P. B.!

I am sending you the article reworked by Nevzorov [Steklov] 1). The question of it has come down to the following dilemma for us: either publish it in Zarya, or refuse publication altogether. The votes are equally divided (Alexei [Martov] and Arsen[yev Potresov] in favor, Vel[ika] Dm[itryevna Zasulich] and I against). Please cast your vote.

I must say that what particularly outrages me is that everyone (even Arseniev [Potresov]!) declares the article "vile," "treacherous" (as G. V. [Plekhanov] himself expressed it)—and yet all of them discuss publishing it! In my view, this is the worst tactic of connivance and encouragement. In defense of the article they say: "this is a letter from a contributor to the editorial board. It would be awkward to refuse." In my opinion, once a contributor assumes such airs, we must precisely put a stop to them. Let him go with God to Rabochee Delo [Nevzorov [Steklov] even wrote to us asking whether we object to this!!? Sic!]. We will document his figure far better "this way and expose him far more freely than in our own Zarya. (One of the arguments in favor: publish it in order to have an occasion to respond to widespread arguments.)

So, decide the matter!

And what about Flinn's [Enotalyevsky's] article? If it's solid (as you wrote), why not publish it in Zarya? Won't you send it?

How is your health? I heard that you are not far from Thun, but I hope they will forward the letter.

When do you think of visiting G. V. [Plekhanov]? We are counting greatly on you regarding the program.

Lenin Miscellany, III.

V. I. LENIN — P. B. AXELROD.

Well, goodbye! I wish you a speedy recovery and I press your hand firmly.
Your Petrov.

*) Iskra is coming out in a few days. An article by G. V. [Plekhanov] (the 2nd against Struve) has been sent to Zarya. Then will follow—Nevzorov [Steklov], Alexei [Martov], Vel[ika] Dm[itryevna Zasulich], Arseniev [Potresov], on the agrarian question (I am writing), and G. V. [Plekhanov] against Bernstein (review of the Russian translation of his book). There is no Foreign Review. Perhaps Danevich [Gurevich] will write one? For Iskra he has already sent the 2nd letter (will appear in No. 8).

1) See letter 49, note 1.